Alcohol and It’s Risks

Alcohol can affect judgment, coordination, and overall health, especially when consumed irresponsibly. Understanding the risks associated with alcohol use can help individuals make safer and more informed decisions.

Malt Beverage is beer, 1/2 of 1% to 6% alcohol. Unfortified Wine is wine not more than 17% alcohol. Fortified Wine is wine of not more than 24% alcohol. Spirituous Liquor is distilled spirits or ethyl alcohol, including spirits of wine, whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, etc. Mixed Beverage is a drink composed in whole or part of spirituous liquor and served at restaurants, hotels and private clubs licensed by the State.

Health Risks

Psychologically and physically addictive; respiratory depression; depression of the immune system; increased risk of heart disease, cancer, accidents, hypertension; brain damage; damage to unborn fetus; impotence at high dosage levels.For additional information, contact your local Health Care Provider or Pharmacist.

North Carolina Laws

To possess, attempt to purchase or purchase; to sell or give Malt Beverages, Unfortified Wine, Fortified Wine, Spirituous Liquor or Mixed Beverages to Anyone Under Twenty-one (21) Years Old:

Maximum Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years or a fine, or both, in the discretion of the court (Misdemeanor), however, to possess, attempt to purchase, or purchase by 19 or 20 Year Old is an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).

Aider and Abettor

By any person who is under (21) years of age to purchase and who aids or abets another to attempt to purchase, or to possess; sell or give will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months and/or a fine up to five hundred dollars ($500).For additional information, contact your local Law Enforcement Agency or District Attorney’s Office.

Toll Free Hotlines (Local Emergency Numbers)

Lenoir County – 911
Jones County – 911
Greene County – 911

Toll-Free Hotlines

AIDS Hotline (U.S. Public Health Service) – 1-800-232-4636
Alateen, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters – 1-800-356-9996
American Social Health Association (ASHA) – 1-800-227-8922
Child Abuse (Lenoir County DSS) – (252) 559-6400
Childfind (National Runaway Safeline) – 1-800-RUNAWAY
Covenant House – 1-800-999-9999
Drug Abuse (National Institute on Drug Abuse) – 301-443-1124
Drug Intervention Services of America – 1-800-752-6432
Hazelton Publishing – 1-800-328-9000
National Health Info Center (U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev.) – 1-242-453-8280
Information Center for Individuals with Disabilities – 1-800-462-5015
Mental Disability (Amer. Assoc. on Mental Deficiency) – 1-800-424-3688
National Association for Hearing and Speech Action – 1–800-638-8255
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – 1-800-NCA-CALL
Organ Donor Information (The Living Bank) – 1-800-528-2971
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (First Candle) Foundation – 1-800-221-7437
Talking Books for the Blind (Library of Congress)) – 1-800-424-9100

In North Carolina

Careline (Statewide Information and Referral Hotline)- DHHS – 1-800-662-7030
Carolina Manor (assisted living) – 1-920-738-0118
Hollyhill Hospital – 1-800-447-1800
Real Crisis Center – 1-800-273-TALK